Casino’s $12 million quest: ‘The leading edge of gaming’
The remodel of Casino’s gaming floor is slated to wrap up in March. Renderings courtesy of the COEUR d’ALENE TRIBE
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is betting that the $12 million renovation of its casino and event center that's slated to finish in March will make the facility even more competitive with other tribal casinos in the Inland Northwest.
"We want to be the standout," said Francis SiJohn, Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel CEO. "We always want to be on the leading edge of gaming. The market is getting so saturated with gaming, so we want to be very competitive."
The casino finished 2018, its 25th anniversary year, literally with a bang that has included hammering, painting and moving as part of a renovation of 68,400 square feet of gaming and event space.
"This project is a long time coming and, although we have to deal with a little construction to get there, we are extremely excited to see the final product," SiJohn said. "This is going to give our guests an exciting gaming floor, better ventilation and an elevated entertainment experience."
Construction began in mid-October. It includes a larger events stage, a new high-limit gaming area and corner bar, gaming floor redesign, LED lighting, decor upgrades with tribal designs, and an LED video chandelier that can display imagery depicting fire, water, sunsets and more.
The gaming area will receive an upgraded HVAC system that will maximize smoke removal. The space near Nighthawk Lounge is getting a facelift.
"We've done a lot of remodeling and development around the casino, but one of the areas we've never touched is the main gaming floor," SiJohn said. "We've added new carpet and touched up the paint, but we've never stripped it down to the bones and put new skin on it."
SiJohn said casinos have traditionally been dark and smoky with mirrors. The renovation, he said, will brighten up the environment.
The event center stage is doubling in size to allow for larger entertainment acts.
"We've had some requests from big-name bands who want to come to play, but our stage has been too small," SiJohn said.
A multi-tiered seating system will provide new vantage points.
The redesigned seating system will actually reduce the number of seats from 1,500 to 1,350.
"But it will give prime views of the artists," SiJohn said. "We want to give our guests the best experience possible whether they are reserved or general admission seats."
The original mural painted by the late George Flett, a member of the Spokane Tribe, is being restored and will remain in its location.
"We want to touch it up so it stands out like the day he painted it," SiJohn said.
The mural will also be digitized and displayed in the main gaming area near the Nighthawk Lounge.
Some gaming areas have been moved to allow for construction, but signs and casino staff are available to help direct guests to the temporary areas. There will also be "Coeur Zone" rewards promotions offered during the rest of the renovation.
"We understand that the remodel can be an inconvenience for our guests, but we still want them to come back," SiJohn said.
